What if you could take your science or research experience into the UK Government and help shape real-world policy?
The Defra Research and Development Fellowship gives scientists, researchers and analysts the opportunity to work with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on research and policy projects.
Quick Facts: Defra Research and Development Fellowship
- Opportunity Type: Government Research & Policy Fellowship
- Host Country: United Kingdom 🇬🇧
- Host Institution: Defra
- Funding: Paid position
- Salary: £33,590–£44,500 per year
- Application Fee: Free
- Deadline: September 14, 2026
- Nationality: Subject to UK Civil Service eligibility rules
- Degree: Undergraduate degree in science, engineering or an analytical subject
- Work Experience: Relevant research, science or analytical experience
- Age: No specific age limit stated
- Visa: Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is not available
Who Can Apply?
You should have:
- An undergraduate degree in science, engineering or an analytical discipline
- A background in research, science or analysis
- An interest in using technical knowledge to solve policy problems
- The right to work under UK Civil Service eligibility rules
The Defra Research and Development Fellowship Programme is open to applicants who meet specific UK Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements. Eligible groups include:
- UK Nationals
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- Commonwealth Citizens who possess the legal right to work in the UK
- EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein Nationals (and family members) who have settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), or have made a valid application by the relevant deadlines
- Certain Turkish Nationals and their family members who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
- Individuals with Limited or Indefinite Leave to Remain who were eligible to apply for the EUSS on or before December 31, 2020
(Note: Defra does not sponsor Skilled Worker visas for this programme, so applicants must already hold one of these qualifying statuses to be eligible.)
What Do You Get?
- £33,590–£44,500 annual salary
- Potential £3,000 specialist skills supplement
- Experience working within the UK Government
- Work on real environmental and agricultural policy
- Experience in research, evidence analysis and policy development
How to Apply?
Apply through the official Civil Service Careers portal and submit the required application materials.
Deadline: September 14, 2026, at 23:55 UK time
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